Editor's Note: The following story is another part in a series dealing with planned unit development (PUD). It was not included in Tuesday's edition.

By Sean Ingram

managingeditor@couriernews.com

Russellville City Council members Cliff Kircher, Randal Crouch and Rick Harrell, along with Mayor Raye Turner, told The Courier last week about the council's vote in favor of an ordinance to rezone land off of Marina Road from R-1 (residential) to PUD (planned unit development) during the council's April 21 meeting.

Since that vote, residents have begun a petition drive to place the issue on a special ballot to be voted on by Russellville citizens. The mayor and aldermen were asked why they voted for or against the ordinance, and their thoughts on a special election.

"We have a growing and aging population that demand this type of housing," Kirchner said. "At a cost of $250,000 to $300,000 per unit I see only positive affects on land values. This type of development is consistent along lake front property. PUD zoning give the city more control on how a project is developed and what it is going to look like. The developer has to specifically follow the building and design plans that were submitted and approved by our city planning department or lose the zoning allowed to build such project.

"I believe there will be a special election on this issue because of the low threshold of signatures required to bring it to a vote. Just a few people who are upset about an issue who lose their case before the city council can now circumvent the elective representative process. I think this sets a terrible precedent and sends a message to city government to stay away from the tough issues for fear of public petition drives. The people who do not support the building of these high-end luxury condominiums on the lake front just don't see the benefits that this type a project can bring to the area. I know change can be uncomfortable and its easier to maintain the status quo but, the status quo means no development along the lake front, no appreciation of property values, and, the continuation of low income trailer park housing."

Crouch said he voted against the ordinance's passage because he was concerned about the kind of action the city might be able to take in the event the project is not completed as proposed.

"It was stated that if the project is not as proposed, that the city council could require the project to be torn down, but anyone with a clear mind knows that simply would not happen," Crouch said. "I would have prefered to see a penalty defined for failure to complete the project as approved. Second, I believe that when a promise is made during annexation to forever remain R-1 that the promise should be kept. It is just not right to go against that promise simply because a new council is in session. People should be able to plan their life around their home and not worry about zoning changes like this. Third, there are several locations around Russellville where an upscale development like this would be feasible."

Crouch went on to say he hoped the citizens of Russellville wouldn't be forced to go to another special election, at a cost to taxpayers between $7,000 and $10,000 "for a special public vote anytime a few people disagree with a city council decision.

"Citizens on both sides of this issue have the right to their own opinions," he said. "It was the responsibility of the city council to listen to both sides. A decision was given and now as a community we should accept the decision, put this issue behind us and move forward."

Harrell said his support for the ordinance was based on what he believed to be the best decision for Russellville, adding that input from the city engineer and planner stated it was a good project without any problems.

"I feel the development will be an asset to Russellville," Harrell said. "It is a type of development that will meet a particular need that some home owners are now requesting, according to some people in real estate that I respect and value their knowledge.

"This is the great thing about our governmental process: People can bring about change to decisions made by elected officials. We are not all-knowing and certainly not all-powerful, but just people trying to give good, honest direction to our city. I support the rights of the people to petition for a special election. It may very well go to a special election."

The mayor pointed out, according Arkansas law 14-43-501, which states "the mayor shall have a vote when a vote is needed to pass any ordinance, bylaw, resolution, order or motion."

"The reasons I supported this ordinance are two fold," Turner said. "First, the City of Russellville has an outstanding staff of professionals that combined have over 45 years of experience and education in their respected field. After careful review of the development by City of Russellville planner Jim von Tungeln, Director of Public Works, Morgan Barrett, Fire Marshal Richard Setian there was a recommendation by the staff for approval.

"I respect their opinions and am grateful for the conduct from both sides during city council meetings," Turner said about those gathering petition signatures. "Many of those who do not support the PUD vote are personal friends, and I have known them for many years."